Ride to Conquer Cancer: 10-years ago Patrick Ma beat cancer and now rides in support of others
He will be participating in all four of Canada's events to give back to those who helped him recover from a rare form of prostate cancer
In 2006, Dr. Patrick Ma of Vancouver, B.C. was diagnosed with a rare form of prostate cancer. The then 49-year-old retina specialist at the Vancouver General Hospital was given a 30 per cent chance of surviving for three years with a treatment rate well below that. “My son was only eight at the time of my diagnosis and my daughter was 13. I used to practice having to say goodbye to them,” recalled Ma.
Ma is now 59-years old and to commemorate 10-years cancer free he is embarking on a summer-long effort to participate in all four Ride to Conquer Cancer events across Canada. The events raise funds to support cancer treatment, care, research and prevention at institutions across the country. During his long battle with the disease, Ma underwent four operations, suffered multiple infections, had kidney complications, blood clots and had a neo-bladder inserted after which he underwent six months of aggressive chemotherapy.
The treatment left him drained. “After a year of treatment I was really run down. I had significant depression.” Cycling was a vital part of the recover for Ma, especially emotionally. After a year in and out of the hospital he once again experienced the thrill of riding. “Feeling the wind on your face, there is something magical about that. I felt like I as 10-years-old again. It was a great, happy feeling and riding was a great way to start my recovery.”
Ma has participated in every B.C. Ride to Conquer Cancer, the first being the most challenging as he was still recovering from his treatment. “I don’t ride for myself, the sense of community and the reason that brings everyone together; it brings tears to your eyes. Everyone is there with a story, each person has been touched by this in some way,” said Ma. “If you get a flat 10 people will stop to help. It’s a special community.”
Over the course of his treatment, Ma was touched by the tireless work of many people in the medical profession who contributed to his battle and support from the community around him. “How do you thank the people that saved your life?” he asks. The Ride to Conquer Cancer is one of Canada’s largest fundraisers and $304 million has been raised through the events across the country. “It’s a way to give back. I have been given the opportunity to smell the roses.”
The four Ride to Conquer Cancer events Ma will be participating in take place throughout the summer. Each ride is a two-day event covering approximately 200-km. The Ontario ride takes place on June 11 and 12 between Toronto and Niagara Falls with funds being donated to the Princess Margaret Cancer Center. The Quebec ride takes place on July 9 to 10 and takes riders from Montreal to Quebec City with donations benefiting the Jewish General Hospital. The Alberta ride leaves from Calgary on August 6 and heads to the Rocky Mountains before turning back towards Calgary on August 7. It benefits the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Finally, the British Columbia ride is the last Ride to Conquer Cancer of the season taking place on August 26 and 27. The ride takes place around Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest with all proceeds going to the BC Cancer Agency.
“That tumour wasn’t suppose to let me be here. Five years cancer free was the biggest number emotionally. I don’t think people around me thought I would be here 10 years after my diagnosis. The treatment was very innovative and hopefully changes the course of treatment for other people,” said Ma.
To get involved with the Ride to Conquer Cancer visit conquercancer.ca
